Montana State names new vice president of university communications

BOZEMAN - Montana State University has named Michael Becker as its permanent vice president of university communications.

Becker has served as interim vice president for the past year. He previously worked as director of the MSU News Service and university spokesman since 2017.

In the role, Becker will lead MSU's communications, marketing and branding teams, which include the MSU News Service, Visual Media, Creative Services, Marketing, Trademarks and Licensing, Social Media, and Web and Digital Communications, in addition to administrative oversight of Montana PBS.

"Mike brings deep knowledge of Montana State University, a journalist's eye for storytelling and a clear commitment to our land-grant mission," said MSU President Brock Tessman. "He understands the extraordinary story we have to tell - from student access and academic excellence to world-class research and service in every Montana county - and he is eager to help us share that story in new and compelling ways."

Tessman noted that Becker's appointment comes during a period of significant momentum for Montana State. MSU educates more Montana residents than any other institution in the state, with programs that reach communities across the state and research activity that has earned national recognition. In the past year alone, the university has inaugurated a new president, celebrated a Rhodes scholar, hosted symposia on artificial intelligence, won a national football championship and launched an ambitious strategic planning process.

"I'm incredibly grateful to President Tessman for his confidence and support," Becker said. "We have a tremendous story to tell as an institution, and - believe it or not - some people out there haven't heard it yet. I can't wait to change that."

Prior to MSU, Becker spent a decade as an editor and digital strategist for the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. He has been writing and editing professionally since 2005. Originally from eastern Montana, he earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in English from MSU.